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And when is a better time to write about chocolate if not before the V-day? Everybody is buzzing about it, except maybe Vancouverites who are busy buzzing about the 2010 Winter Olympic Games opening weekend coinciding with the worldwide weekend of love. There is also Chinese New Year (Gung Hay Fat Choy everyone!) and I am sure many people all over the world are busy celebrating that.  I can totally understand the excitement, but for the rest of us there is chocolate!Chocolate is the most craved food in the world! Luckily, it is also one of those super foods that are packed with goodness; however, moderation, common sense and good judgment are required when choosing the type and the amount of chocolate to consume as most chocolate contains too much sugar, fat and additives. What we need to look for when buying chocolate is high percentage of cocoa solids. This is where the largest density of nutrients is contained.  For instance, milk chocolate has lower percentage of cocoa solids than dark chocolate due to dairy and higher sugar content.

Now, what is so good about chocolate, apart from its taste of course? Loads of things!

• Chocolate, or more specifically, cocoa solids, contain antioxidants procyanidins. These have been shown to protect blood vessels, heart and platelets of the cardiovascular system. They prevent oxidation of circulating fats in the bloodstream. Oxidized (rancid) fats contribute to hardening of the arteries. Furthermore, studies confirmed that antioxidants in chocolate can raise levels of good protective cholesterol which helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in blood.
• Chocolate is high in minerals such as copper, iron and magnesium, which all participate in hundreds of vital biochemical reactions in our bodies and all affect our wellbeing, so it’s important to get enough from our diet.  
• Chocolate contains amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, important neurotransmitter precursors vital for proper nervous system functioning.
• Chocolate contains phenylathylamine, theobromine, theophylline and other fancy-named compounds that are responsible for magic energy boosts and elevated mood some people experience after eating chocolate.  Ever heard that chocolate can makes us happy? Like you needed another reason to eat it

So, enjoy your chocolate! I always recommend buying a dark chocolate bar, breaking it into squares, and freezing 2-3 square-portions wrapped individually in foil. Do not go over your one portion; remember the secret is in moderation! What a perfect way to treat yourself daily! Okay, I would probably go over my one portion on Valentine’s Day, but only on Valentine’s J  And try this homemade hot chocolate recipe I have found: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2664.

Let me know how it tastes and talk to you soon. Happy Valentine’s!